Michigan

Scouting Report: Tatum Bell

Viewed largely as insurance for the recovering Kevin Jones, Tatum Bell should actually provide the Lions a lot more this season. Coordinator Mike Martz wants to use Bell's speed on the edge in the running game and also in one-on-one matchups in the passing game. Bell can be very effective either flaring out of the backfield or dragging across the middle. The Lions never got their screen game going last year (because of offensive line and timing issues) but if they get that clicking, Bell will be a threat there, too.

AP photoBell fits the Martz offense very well. Expect him to be a threat in Detroit's running back by committee.

There have been other former Broncos running backs who don't live up to expectations after leaving Denver, but Bell should fit in well to Detroit's running style. The Lions want to use a one-cut-and-go attack in addition to some power running stuff. Either way, Bell is very good at finding daylight and turning the play upfield without losing balance or speed.

The knock on Bell has been an inability to get the most out of plays between the tackles and, if that bears out, other backs - whether it's Jones or T.J. Duckett - will get more opportunities in the power game.

Bell, who rushed for 1,025 yards last season, has a reputation of fumbling but he only dropped the ball six times during his first three years in the league. The problem is that he lost all three of his fumbles last year so the rep stuck.

If Bell limits his fumbles and mistakes in Martz's offense, it's going to be an interesting competition at the running back position. Don't be surprised if the Lions decide to play the hot hand from game to game.

Note: Keep up with the Lions daily during the offseason, all the way up to training camp, with my scouting report on each player on the roster. Each report is open to your opinions and analysis in the comments area below.